Multidrug-resistant Tuberculosis Management in Resource-limited Settings

Managing MDRTB through national programs can yield results similar to those seen in wealthier settings

Multidrug resistant pulmonary tuberculosis treatment regimens and patient outcomes: an individual patient data meta-analysis of 9,153 patients.

Treatment of multidrug resistant tuberculosis (MDR-TB) is lengthy, toxic, expensive, and has generally poor outcomes. We undertook an individual patient data meta-analysis to assess the impact on outcomes of the type, number, and duration of drugs used to treat MDR-TB

The Adoption of a Standardized Antibiotic Sensitivity Test in the Philippines

With the development and the introduction of a great variety of antibiotic and chemotherapeutic agents, the outlook in the treatment of infections has improved significantly. Unfortunately, however, these agents are not necessarily innocuous to human tissues, so that their use in some instances is associated with some potential hazards including tissue toxicity, hypersensitivity reaction, emergence of bacterial antimicrobial resistance and the development of clinical superinfection. In view of these hazards, therefore, the administration of an antibiotic must be initiated only when there are definite objective evidences of an infection from clinical and laboratory parameters. Furthermore, the choice of antibiotic must be based on objective results of the antibiotic sensitivity test done on the isolated etiologic agent

Factors Associated with Loss to Follow-up during Treatment for Multidrug-Resistant Tuberculosis, the Philippines, 2012–2014

To identify factors associated with loss to follow-up during treatment for multidrug-resistant (MDR) tuberculosis (TB) in the Philippines, we conducted a case–control study of adult patients who began receiving treatment for rifampin-resistant TB during July 1–December 31, 2012. Among 91 case-patients (those lost to follow-up) and 182 control-patients (those who adhered to treatment), independent factors associated with loss to follow-up included patients’ higher self-rating of the severity of vomiting as an adverse drug reaction and alcohol abuse. Protective factors included receiving any type of assistance from the TB program, better TB knowledge, and higher levels of trust in and support from physicians and nurses. These results provide insights for designing interventions aimed at reducing patient loss to follow-up during treatment for MDR TB